Ways to Reduce Negative Environmental Impact

Small changes in our yards—like planting native species, reducing lawns, and leaving leaves—can have a large collective effect on the environment. By doing so, homeowners help restore local ecosystems, reduce pollution, conserve water, and support biodiversity.

1. Make a Change for the better

• Native plants support local insects, birds, and wildlife, maintaining food webs.

• Reduce the use of fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides and excessive watering.

• Remove all invasive species in your yard and gardens.

2. Reduce Lawn Area

• Lawns offer little ecological benefit and require high water use, mowing, and chemical inputs.

• Replacing lawns with native meadows, rain gardens, or wildflower beds reduces energy use and chemical runoff.

3. Avoid Chemicals

• Fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides can pollute waterways and harm insects, soil organisms, and birds.

• Native plant gardens and ecological landscaping reduce reliance on chemicals.

4. Support Soil Health

• Leaving leaves and plant debris allows soil organisms to recycle nutrients naturally.

• Healthy soil reduces erosion, improves water retention, and supports a self-sustaining ecosystem.

5. Encourage Biodiversity

• Plant a variety of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers to support insects, pollinators, and birds.

• A diverse landscape is more resilient to pests, diseases, and climate extremes.

6. Capture and Use Rainwater

• Rain gardens and native plantings absorb stormwater, reducing runoff, erosion, and pollution.

• Helps recharge groundwater naturally.